Varnish wins right to appeal in British Cycling case

Former Great Britain cyclist Jess Varnish has won the right to an appeal hearing in her employment case against British Cycling.

The 29-year-old failed in an initial attempt to contest her tribunal defeat in January but an appeal can now be heard, probably within six months.

Varnish argued that she should be considered an employee of British Cycling or the funding agency UK Sport.

But the initial hearing ruled her funding was like a university grant.

Varnish said: “We could easily have walked away after the original decision went against us. However, I believe we’re doing the right thing by not giving up.”

The former European team sprint champion and world silver medallist attempted to prove she was an employee to allow her to sue both bodies for wrongful dismissal and sexual discrimination after being dropped by Great Britain for the 2016 Rio Olympics.